Delegation highlights artisans’ challenges, issues and factors behind the decline of traditional Kashmiri arts and crafts
JK News Today
Srinagar, June 23: A delegation of Kashmiri artisans from Srinagar’s Shehr-e-Khaas (downtown) on Tuesday called on Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari to apprise him of the challenges, problems, and concerns faced by the artisan community, as well as the reasons behind the steady decline of traditional Kashmiri arts and crafts.
The deligation memebres requested him to intervene and use his personal infulance to ensure that their issues are effectivally addressed and this traditional craft is protected and enhanced further.
The delegation members requested Apni Party president to intervene and use his personal influence to ensure that their concerns are effectively addressed and that this traditional craft is further protected and promoted.
The delegation was led by Mir Younis Ahmad, an office bearer of the Kaarigar Kalyan Foundation, an NGO working for the welfare of the artisan community. The party’s Provincial Publicity Secretary, Muzaffar Hussain Reshi, and the in-charge of Zadibal Constituency, Tehseen Dar, accompanied the delegation.
During the meeting, the delegation apprised Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari of the factors contributing to the steady decline of traditional arts and crafts, as well as the challenges and concerns faced by craftsmen and artisans.
The delegation said that “although Kashmiri art and handicraft products enjoy immense demand and high market value not only across the country but also internationally, the harsh reality is that the largest share of the profits goes to traders and big businessmen. The artisans, whose blood, sweat, and hard work keep these centuries-old crafts alive, are left with only a meagre share of the earnings. As a result, traditional crafts are steadily losing their appeal among artisans, particularly the younger generation, who no longer see a viable future in these occupations.”
The visiting delegation informed Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari that the younger generation of traditional artisans is keen to carry forward this legacy and sustain their ancestral livelihood. At the same time, they aspire to market and sell their products independently through markets and exhibitions. However, they need official support, encouragement, and guidance to turn their efforts into success.
The delegation urged the concerned government departments to play an active role in facilitating and supporting these artisans in this regard.
The delegation informed Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari that many senior artisans, who devoted their entire lives to preserving and practicing their traditional crafts, are now compelled to take up menial jobs because their ancestral occupation no longer provides them with a sufficient income.
They said that these artisans, who have been the custodians of Kashmir’s rich artistic heritage, deserve dignity and support in their later years. The delegation said that there is urgent need for rehabilitation initiatives and extend the necessary assistance to enable these artisans to continue doing what they do best—creating art and craft that reflects the region’s cultural legacy.
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari gave a patient hearing to the visiting delegation and assured them that he would take up their issues and concerns at the appropriate and highest levels to ensure that they are addressed effectively.
He said that “there is an urgent need to protect and promote Kashmiri handicrafts, which embody the Kashmir’s identity, heritage, and pride.”
He emphasised that “safeguarding the interests of artisans is essential not only for their livelihood but also for preserving invaluable traditional skills.”
He added that “collective efforts must be made to ensure that future generations inherit, cherish, and carry forward this rich cultural legacy.”
